Dental implants are a tooth replacement solution that can replace one or a few missing teeth. Designed to mimic the natural tooth and root, dental implants are the closest replacement possible to your real teeth in terms of look, feel, function and durability.
Dental implants are typically made up of three parts: the implant tooth (or dental crown), the abutment and the dental implant.
The dental implant is a titanium post that is placed into the jaw, replacing the tooth roots. The implant is then capped with an abutment and a handcrafted implant tooth is connected on top, filling the gap left by the missing tooth. Dental implants may also be used to replace a number of missing teeth in a row. In this case, at least two dental implants would be placed into the jaw to secure a dental implant bridge of several teeth.
Over time, the jaw bone grows around the titanium dental implant or implants, providing added strength and support for the implant tooth or teeth. This process, called osseointegration, typically takes around 3 to 6 months.
Learn more about how we deliver implant treatment at our dental implant clinic in Sydney here.
When performed by an experienced implant dentist, dental implants are one of the most successful procedures with excellent short-term and long-term outcomes.
As the closest thing to your natural teeth, dental implants are a long-lasting tooth replacement solution that will restore function, reduce bone loss and improve your quality of life.
But is there a downside to dental implants? Like all dental procedures, dental implants do have their own set of pros and cons that you should consider. See the table below for an outline of the key benefits of dental implants, as well as some of the drawbacks.
Of course, there is no such thing as a perfect treatment in dentistry. However, dental implants are an effective and lifelike tooth replacement option for those who want a more secure and longer lasting solution than removable dentures.
Still, it’s important to remember that all dental procedures come with potential risks and complications. We’ll explore this in detail in the Potential risks section of this guide.
Dental implants are extremely durable and long-lasting tooth replacements. But can dental implants last a lifetime? And how often do dental implants need to be replaced? Generally speaking, with the right care and maintenance (which we’ll explore in detail later in this guide), dental implants may last for several decades. For some patients, this means they will not have to replace their dental implants in their lifetime. In theory, your titanium dental implants should remain in your jaw bone for as long as the bone remains healthy.
However, it’s important to note that there are rare cases where a dental implant is rejected by the body. This is called implant failure. In these cases, a new dental implant can usually be placed after the jaw bone has had some time to heal.
The artificial tooth or dental bridge that sits on top of your dental implants will typically have a shorter lifespan (between 5 to 20 years), depending on the material it is made from and how well it is cared for.
There are a few different ways to replace your missing teeth with dental implants. The right type of dental implant treatment for you will largely depend on the number of teeth you wish to replace, where they are located in the mouth and whether you have jaw bone loss.
The table below outlines which dental implant treatments are suitable for replacing one, a few or all of your teeth. Following that, we’ll explore each treatment option in detail.
This implant treatment involves the placement of one dental implant into the jaw with an implant tooth connected on top. Single dental implants are used in cases where individual teeth need to be replaced.
Suitable for: Patients who want to replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth in different areas of the mouth
This implant treatment involves the placement of multiple dental implants (at least 2) into the jaw to secure a tooth bridge of several teeth.
Typically, the missing teeth will be in a row next to each other. If there is an existing tooth (with a poor prognosis) between the missing teeth, it will likely need to be removed to fit the dental implant bridge.
Suitable for: Patients who want to replace several missing teeth in a row
All-on-4 dental implants are an excellent solution for people who have lost or are about to lose all of their upper or lower teeth.
This dental implant treatment involves the placement of at least 4 dental implants in the jaw to hold a tooth bridge of up to 12 teeth. The innovative placement technique sees two straight implants placed at the front of the jaw and two angled implants placed at the back of the jaw. This helps to overcome any bone deficiencies and helps to avoid the need for bone grafting — even in patients with jaw bone loss.
The best part about the All-on-4 treatment is that the tooth bridge can be connected to the dental implants in as little as 3 days after surgery. This means patients can go from struggling with severely damaged, broken or no teeth to a set of functional, fixed teeth in just days.
For more information about All-on-4, check out our Comprehensive All-on-4 Patient Guide.
Suitable for: Patients who want to replace all teeth in their upper or lower jaw and who may have jaw bone loss
The traditional full mouth dental implant method involves the placement of up to 8 implants into the jaw, which holds a dental bridge of up to 12 teeth in place. In this treatment, the dental implants are all placed straight (not angled). As such, patients will need sufficient bone density, volume and height to support the dental implants and tooth bridge.
Suitable for: Patients who want to replace all teeth in their upper or lower jaw but have adequate bone density
While the above dental implant treatments are all fixed solutions (meaning they remain in the mouth and can only be removed by your dentist), overdentures are a removable option (meaning they can be taken out and put in by the wearer).
Overdentures is a tooth replacement solution that replaces teeth in the lower jaw only. This type of implant denture uses 2 dental implants at the front of the lower jaw. These implants are then capped with special attachments that allow the dental bridge to ‘snap’ on or off (hence why you may see them called ‘snap-on dentures’).
It’s worth noting that overdentures are considered to be a partially implant-supported solution. This is because only the front of the dental bridge is connected to the dental implants, while the back of the dental bridge rests on top of the gum tissues. Regardless, they are still a very secure option and much more comfortable than traditional lower dentures, which are more prone to slip and slide around.
Suitable for: Patients who want to replace all teeth in their lower jaw only
Dental implants are a highly effective and successful treatment for missing teeth. But they are not the only tooth replacement option available.
The below table outlines some of the most common tooth replacement alternatives to dental implants, as well as their suitability to replace one, several or all teeth. We’ll take a closer look at these alternative treatments in the following section of this guide.
Removable dentures are one of the most affordable options for replacing missing teeth. A patient can either have a full or partial denture, depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced.
Unlike dental implants, dentures are not fixed in the mouth. Instead, the false teeth are attached to a plastic base which is moulded to the patient’s mouth. The denture is usually held in place by suction or special adhesives. As such, dentures can be more prone to move and slip around when eating or speaking, and may feel uncomfortable or bulky in the mouth.
The jaw bone needs stimulation from either a natural tooth root or a dental implant to maintain its density and encourage bone growth. Dentures do not provide this stimulation so the jaw bone will start to recede, losing height, width and volume.
For long-term denture-wearers, jaw bone loss (and the complications associated with it) is inevitable. Over time, bone loss will affect the entire facial structure, causing the lips and cheeks to sink inwards. It can also make it difficult to wear dentures at all as they no longer have the bone structure to support them.
A tooth-supported bridge is often used when a patient needs to replace multiple teeth in a row, but does not want to undergo surgery for implant placement. It may also be a good option for those who cannot receive dental implant treatment, due to inadequate bone density or another medical reason.
Instead of implants, a tooth-supported bridge uses the existing natural teeth on either side of the row of missing teeth to secure a dental bridge or several teeth. The supporting teeth have dental crowns placed on top of them which are connected to the tooth bridge.
Sometimes, the best solution for a patient with missing teeth is a combination of treatments. This could include single dental implants, dental crowns, implant- or tooth-supported bridges, or other restoration treatments.
Of course, there are some patients with missing teeth who may choose to do nothing and opt out of receiving any treatment. These patients may think this approach will save them money or reduce their risks of complications. But in the long run, choosing not to replace missing teeth can have a number of detrimental (and sometimes costly) implications.
Not only does tooth loss affect your ability to speak and eat, but it can also have a negative impact on your overall health, emotional wellbeing and even your social life. If a patient chooses to do nothing about their tooth loss, we always encourage them to consider the negative impact of tooth loss and the long-term risks or complications associated with this approach.
Most healthy people are good candidates for dental implant treatment. However, there are a few factors that may affect your suitability, which we’ve outlined below.
Age is no barrier to dental implant treatment. However, it is recommended that young people wait until their jaw bones are fully formed before considering implant treatment.
If you have a chronic or long-term health issue, don’t be discouraged. Depending on your circumstances, you may still be able to receive dental implant treatment.
It’s essential for your dentist to know your medical history to ensure they are providing you with the right treatment options for your health. During your consultation, we will ask whether you have/have had:
It’s also important for your dentist to be aware of any medications you take, as well as the dosage and how long you’ve been taking them. During your consultation, we will ask whether you take/have taken:
If you have been missing teeth or wearing dentures for a while, you may have had some bone loss in your jaw. The severity of your jaw bone loss may impact your options for dental implants and will need to be assessed by your dentist.
If you smoke, you can still receive dental implant treatment. However, this will put you at a higher risk of implant failure. Smoking is a vasoconstrictor and decreases the blood supply to the gums. This not only affects your body’s ability to heal but it may also increase your risk of complications and infections after implant surgery. This is why it is recommended that you stop smoking before undertaking implant treatment.
The occasional drink is unlikely to cause any issues, but it’s still important to understand how alcohol can affect your body’s healing processes. In particular, this study found that daily alcohol consumption may have a negative impact on long-term dental implant treatment outcomes.
The best way to find out if you’re a good candidate for dental implants is to book your free consultation. During this consultation, we will assess your oral health, take x-rays of your jaw bone and gums, and discuss treatment options.
Book a free consultation at our Sydney dental implant clinic here
Dental implants require a lot of meticulous planning and precision by your dentist. But for patients, the procedure itself is relatively straightforward. Below is a step-by-step guide on the dental implants procedure so you know what to expect at each stage of this treatment.
During your initial consultation, your dentist will perform a comprehensive examination of your mouth, take x-rays and 3D scans of your teeth and jaw, assess your suitability for dental implants and answer all your questions. If applicable, alternative treatment options will also be discussed. It’s important to take the time to read through your treatment plan carefully.
After your consultation, your dentist will plan your implant placement using special software. This is an extremely important step as it will ensure your dental implant or implants are placed in the ideal position, avoiding vital structures. During this stage, your new implant tooth or implant bridge will be expertly designed to suit your smile and ensure optimal function.
On the day of your implant surgery, your dentist will carefully place the dental implants into your jaw. If required, some of your existing teeth may be removed to insert the implants. People often ask: How painful is getting a dental implant? Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area where the implant is being placed so you won’t feel any pain. Most patients also opt to have this procedure under IV sedation (or twilight sedation — learn more about sedation here). IV sedation puts you into a relaxed, comfortable, sleep-like state where you won’t feel or remember anything from your procedure. Afterwards, you’ll spend about an hour or so in recovery and you’ll need a family member or friend to escort you home as you won’t be able to drive.
On average, it takes approximately 3 to 6 months for your jaw and gums to fully heal after dental implant surgery. Depending on where the dental implant is placed in your mouth (for example, if it is replacing a front tooth), you may be fitted with a temporary false tooth to wear during this time. Once healed, we will place your permanent implant tooth or bridge and advise you on the proper aftercare and cleaning for your new teeth.
When it comes to dental implants and prices, you may have seen a lot of variation. This is because there are a number of key factors that can influence the price of implant treatment. We’ll outline each of these factors below.
On average, the cost of dental implants in Australia can range from $4,000 to $8,000 for a single implant, and up to $38,000 per jaw for a full mouth dental implant solution like All-on-4.
At Dental Implants on Miller, the price of a single dental implant starts from $6,500, a dental implant bridge starts from $14,500 or All-on-4 dental implants start from $19,500. Get our price guide for more information about our implant treatment fees.
Want to learn more? Read this article to explore these factors in detail.
When you see a cheaper quote for dental implants, it pays to look a little closer. Some implant clinics may cut costs by using lower-quality components and materials or by working with less reputable or experienced suppliers or laboratories.
It may also indicate a less experienced dentist as those who have invested less time and money in additional training for implants may offer cheaper treatment prices.
Have you been searching for the cheapest All-on-4 dental implants Australia? That might not be such a good idea. See our article on why you should avoid a cheaper quote for dental implants here.
While some patients may choose to save up over time to pay for their dental implant treatment, this is not the only option.
There are a few easy and affordable ways to pay for your new smile. Two of the most popular payment options for implant treatment include:
With TLC (Total Lifestyle Credit), you can borrow up to $50,000 and spread out the cost of your treatment into manageable repayments over time. Easily apply online or over the phone, with funds paid directly into your nominated bank account once approved.
Some patients may be eligible to use their own super (or the super of their spouse, partner or other dependents) to cover the cost of their dental implant treatment. Check out this article for some useful resources about this option.
Learn more about dental implant finance options in this article here.
Unfortunately, dental implants are not typically covered by Medicare in Australia. However, exceptions may be made for cases that are deemed medically necessary. For more information about this, contact Medicare directly.
Depending on your policy and level of coverage, your private health insurance may cover some of the costs of your dental implant treatment. You’ll need to contact your insurer directly to check your policy inclusions and whether dental implants are covered. It’s also important to be aware of any waiting periods that may apply before you can claim.
Get the complete picture on dental implant cost at our Sydney implant clinic with our price list.
Caring for your dental implants is just like caring for your natural teeth. This means maintaining a good oral hygiene routine with regular brushing, flossing and professional maintenance check-ups, as well as following your dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully.
Most patients are surprised at how quickly they can return to their normal routine after implant surgery. Still, it’s important to take it easy for a few days after your treatment and follow your dentist’s post-op instructions.
It’s normal to experience mild pain, discomfort, swelling or bruising for a few days after your implant surgery. This can be easily managed with OTC pain medication.
It’s also normal for the implant site to ‘weep’ a small amount of blood for 2 to 3 days after surgery. Bear in mind that this blood mixes with saliva in the mouth and may appear like a larger volume of blood than it actually is. If you are concerned about bleeding from your surgical site, don’t hesitate to call our practice.
Recovery time can vary from patient to patient, depending on their medical history, the condition of their jaw bone, the number of implants they had placed and whether bone or gum grafting was required.
Typically, it takes around 3 to 6 months for the jaw and gums to fully heal and for the jaw bone to grow around the dental implant (osseointegration). However, during this healing period, patients can generally live life as normal.
After your procedure, your dentist will offer clear aftercare instructions for your dental implants and you should follow these carefully.
Proper daily cleaning and regular professional maintenance by your dentist will ensure the longevity of your dental implants for many years to come. Maintaining a good dental hygiene routine is often easier than most patients think.
Dental implant cleaning and maintenance involves:
For more advice and specific dental products that can help you care for your dental implants, check out this article.
When choosing your dental implant clinic, it pays to be selective. You’ll want to ensure you do your research and ask plenty of questions about the clinic and the dentist performing your procedure before making your decision. It’s also a good idea to seek a second opinion before proceeding with any major dental work.
One of the best ways to ensure you receive a great experience and outcome is by working with an experienced and reputable implant dentist.
Ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable and confident in your treatment and the team providing it. In this article, we have a complete list of questions to ask your potential implant clinic. Although these questions are specific to full mouth dental implant treatment, some are also relevant for dental implant treatment and are important points to consider.
While dental implants have a high success rate, this does not mean that they are entirely without risk. Like all medical treatments, there are some potential complications or problems that can occur with dental implants.
However, it’s important to note that these potential risks are very rare. Working with an experienced implant dentist is one of the top ways to reduce the likelihood of complications arising.
Some issues that can occur with dental implants include:
Dental implants may have a reduced success rate for those who have/are:
You may be struggling to find trustworthy dental implant patient reviews online. This is because Australian laws prohibit dental professionals from publishing any patient testimonials or reviews of their procedures or treatments on their websites.
But there are a few ways you can learn about past patients’ experiences and outcomes with dental implants.
We’ve outlined our top tips on getting honest reviews about dental implant treatment and results below, but you can also read about this topic in detail in this article.
If you want to see the results your potential implant dentist is able to achieve, look closely at their before and after photos. Some clinics may also have case studies on past patients for you to look at, which will include before and after images, along with details about how the patient’s issues were addressed.
Some clinics may give you the opportunity to speak to their past patients about their personal experiences with the dental implant procedure and treatment. This is usually a good sign that the dentist is confident in their work and has positive ongoing relationships with their patients.
Dental patients are allowed to post reviews of their personal experiences on a clinic’s Google My Business page. This is a great way to get a broad snapshot of how others have felt about the clinic and the treatment they received. However, always take these reviews with a grain of salt.
Published medical studies on dental implants are an excellent source of truth when it comes to patient satisfaction over both the short and long term. Generally, you can trust that these sources have been highly vetted and offer reliable information from real patients.
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